City of Hampton Fraternity Hazing Attorneys | $24M Pike Settlements Exposed | Attorney911 — Pi Kappa Phi Shut Down | Federal Court | Former Insurance Defense | 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’re reading this in the City of Hampton, your family may be facing one of the most terrifying moments of your life. Your child was supposed to make friends at college. Instead, they were tortured. They were humiliated. They were injured, perhaps even critically, by the very organizations that promised to build character and brotherhood or sisterhood. We’re here to help families in your area fight back.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is abuse, plain and simple. It is assault, battery, and often, it is a criminal act. When universities, fraternities, and individuals allow this kind of depravity to occur, they betray the trust placed in them by students and parents in the City of Hampton and across the nation. We see the pain, the anger, and the fear etched on the faces of parents searching for answers at 2 AM. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our firm, Attorney911, is dedicated to aggressively representing hazing victims and their families. We understand the unique challenges facing students and parents in the City of Hampton area, whether your child attends a university here, or one of the many institutions across Virginia.

The Haunting Reality of Hazing: What Families in the City of Hampton Must Know

The images of hazing – forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, physical abuse, and humiliation – are not relics of a bygone era. They are happening today, in colleges and universities that students from the City of Hampton attend. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a deeply entrenched culture that institutions too often ignore until it’s tragically too late.

In communities like the City of Hampton, where families invest so much in their children’s education and future, the idea that a college experience could turn into a nightmare of abuse is unthinkable. Yet, it happens. Whether your child attends a university in Virginia, or ventures out of state to places like the University of Houston, the patterns of hazing remain frighteningly consistent.

The statistics paint a grim picture: over half of all students involved in Greek life experience hazing, and tragically, since the year 2000, there has been at least one hazing-related death every single year in the United States. And a staggering 95% of students who are hazed do not report it, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or misplaced loyalty to their organizations.

This culture of silence allows hazing to flourish, turning what should be a time of personal growth and academic pursuit into a period of psychological and physical torment. It puts students in the City of Hampton at risk, making it imperative for parents and victims to recognize the signs and understand their rights.

The Landmark Case: Attorney911 vs. Pi Kappa Phi & University of Houston (2025)

Allow us to share a case that embodies everything we fight for at Attorney911. This is not a hypothetical scenario; this is a $10 million lawsuit we filed just weeks ago, in November 2025, in Harris County Civil District Court. It involves a young man named Leonel Bermudez, the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, and the University of Houston. This case is new, it is ongoing, and it is a stark warning to fraternities, universities, and parents in the City of Hampton about the true nature of hazing today.

The Crucial Connection for City of Hampton Families: This egregious hazing occurred at a Pi Kappa Phi chapter in Houston, but Pi Kappa Phi has over 150 chapters across America, including at many universities that students from the City of Hampton might attend. The same violent “traditions” that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez could easily happen to your child. The same institutional failures we are fighting at the University of Houston exist at other universities as well. We are bringing this fight to light because families in the City of Hampton deserve to see what hazing looks like, and to understand that Attorney911 is the firm that will aggressively fight for them.

What Happened to Leonel Bermudez: A Nightmare Unfolds

Leonel Bermudez, a “ghost rush” who was planning to transfer to the University of Houston for the spring semester, accepted a bid to join Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on September 16, 2025. What followed was an agonizing seven weeks of systematic abuse, torture, and hazing that culminated in his hospitalization for severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent four terrifying days and three nights in the hospital fighting for his life.

Here’s a breakdown of the horrific timeline that unfolded:

• September 16, 2025: Leonel accepts his bid to join Pi Kappa Phi. The hazing began almost immediately.
• October 13, 2025: In a separate, yet equally disturbing incident that illustrates the chapter’s culture, another pledge was hog-tied face-down on a table with an object in his mouth for over an hour while fraternity members prepared for a meeting.
• October 15, 2025: During forced workouts, a pledge lost consciousness and collapsed. Other pledges were forced to elevate his legs until he recovered, yet the hazing continued.
• The weeks between September 16 and November 3: Leonel was subjected to an enforced dress code, mandatory study hours, weekly interviews, and countless other demeaning tasks. He was forced to drive fraternity members during early morning hours, leading to severe exhaustion. He was constantly threatened with physical punishment or expulsion if he failed to comply. He was even forced to carry a fanny pack containing objects of a sexual nature at all times, a blatant act of humiliation and psychological abuse.
• November 3, 2025 – The Breaking Point: Leonel was punished for missing an event. He was forced through an extreme gauntlet of physical torment: a two-mile warmup, followed by over 100 pushups, over 500 squats, high-volume “suicides” (sprinting drills), bear crawls, wheelbarrows, “save-you-brother” drills, and repeated 100-yard crawls. While performing these grueling exercises, often while being sprayed with a garden hose (simulating waterboarding), he was forced to recite the fraternity creed. He was warned that if he stopped, he would be immediately expelled. He was also subjected to being struck with wooden paddles and forced to eat large amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then made to lie in the vomit-soaked grass before being forced to continue running sprints.
• Within hours of this incident on November 3: Leonel was so exhausted he could not stand without help. He crawled up the stairs into his home.
• November 4-5, 2025: Ralph Manginello recounted to ABC13 that Leonel awoke “really sore and couldn’t really move. The next day was worse.”
• November 6, 2025: Leonel’s mother rushed him to the hospital. He was passing brown urine, a classic sign of severe muscle breakdown. He was diagnosed with severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. He spent three nights and four days in the hospital, requiring intensive medical treatment. His very high creatine kinase levels confirmed the severe muscle damage. These critical injuries have left him facing an ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
• November 14, 2025: Recognizing the severity of the allegations and likely anticipating legal action, Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters officially closed its Beta Nu Chapter, making the announcement on its website.
• November 21, 2025: Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against Pi Kappa Phi National, its housing corporation, the University of Houston and its Board of Regents, and 13 individual fraternity members. News outlets like ABC13, KHOU 11, and Hoodline immediately picked up the story.
• November 24, 2025: Houston Public Media reported that the University of Houston acknowledged the “deeply disturbing” nature of the events and was conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement, mentioning “potential criminal charges.”

The medical condition Leonel suffered, rhabdomyolysis, is a severe breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging proteins into the bloodstream, capable of causing acute kidney failure and even death. This is the same medical condition that Attorney Ralph Manginello has effectively litigated in previous hazing cases.

Institutional Responses: A Coordinated Effort to Minimize Damage

The responses from both the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters reveal a sobering truth: institutions often prioritize damage control and reputation over the well-being of students.

University of Houston’s Statement (via Houston Public Media):
A UH spokesperson stated, “The events investigated are deeply disturbing and represent a clear violation of our community standards. The University is conducting its own investigation in coordination with law enforcement and with the cooperation of the fraternity and its national leadership. Pending the outcome of these investigations, any individual found responsible for hazing will face disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion and potential criminal charges.”

Our interpretation: This is an admission that egregious harm occurred, that their standards were violated, and that they expect criminal charges. Their coordination with the fraternity suggests a joint effort to manage the fallout.

Pi Kappa Phi National’s Statement (on their website):
“Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity closed its Beta Nu Chapter effective November 14, 2025, following violations of the Fraternity’s risk management policy and membership conduct standards. Pi Kappa Phi takes all allegations of hazing seriously. This action reflects our commitment to upholding the Fraternity’s values and expectations while prioritizing the well-being of our members.” They even concluded with, “We thank the University of Houston for its collaboration and leadership… we look forward to returning to campus at the appropriate time.”

Our interpretation: Pi Kappa Phi closed the chapter a full week before our lawsuit was filed, demonstrating a clear “consciousness of guilt” and an attempt to distance the national organization from the local chapter. Their claim to “prioritize the well-being of our members” rings hollow when a member is hospitalized with kidney failure due to their chapter’s actions. And their “look forward to returning to campus” comment shows a blatant lack of remorse, indicating they believe this incident is merely a temporary setback.

Why the Bermudez Case Resonates in the City of Hampton

1. “Tradition” is Torture: This case shatters any illusion that hazing is just harmless fun. Waterboarding, forced eating, extreme physical punishment – these are acts of torture and abuse, with devastating consequences. Families in the City of Hampton need to understand that this level of abuse is happening today.
2. Universities Are Complicit: The University of Houston owned the fraternity house where much of this hazing occurred. Universities throughout Virginia, including those near the City of Hampton, often have similar relationships with Greek organizations. They have the power, and the legal duty, to protect their students, and they are liable when they fail.
3. National Organizations Are Accountable: Pi Kappa Phi National knew hazing was a deadly risk, especially after the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at their Florida State chapter. Yet, eight years later, no effective changes were made to prevent Leonel’s hospitalization. The same national fraternities operate in the City of Hampton.
4. Victims Are Afraid: Leonel Bermudez fears retribution for speaking out. This is a common and understandable fear for many hazing victims, including those in the City of Hampton. We want them to know we protect our clients fiercely.
5. One Brave Victim Protects Many: As Lupe Pena stated, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.” By fighting for Leonel, we send a message that can protect other students in the City of Hampton and beyond.
6. $10 Million Sends a Message: This ambitious lawsuit seeks not just compensation, but accountability. It sends a powerful message that hazing will carry a monumental cost, a message that reverberates far beyond the University of Houston campus to institutions and Greek organizations near the City of Hampton.

What Hazing Truly Looks Like: Beyond the Stereotypes

For many parents and students, the word “hazing” conjures images of harmless pranks or mild inconveniences. But the reality, as evidenced by the Bermudez case and countless others, is far more sinister. Hazing today often involves acts that are criminal, dangerous, and deeply dehumanizing. This is not about building leadership or camaraderie; it’s about control, power, and often, sadism.

What Leonel Bermudez endured is not an anomaly. It is unfortunately representative of the extreme forms of hazing commonplace in many fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs, and other student organizations. Parents and students in the City of Hampton need to understand the true face of hazing:

• Physical Abuse: This is not just a little pushing. It includes beatings, paddling, branding, forced calisthenics to the point of collapse, and other activities that result in significant physical injury, such as rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure, as seen in Leonel’s case. We’ve seen cases of students being forced to exercise until their muscles break down, leading to organ failure.
• Forced Consumption: This often involves binge drinking that leads to alcohol poisoning, a leading cause of hazing deaths. But it also includes forced eating until vomiting, or consumption of non-food substances. Leonel was forced to eat copious amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited – only to be forced to continue exercising in his own vomit.
• Psychological and Emotional Torture: Hazing frequently involves highly degrading acts, such as being forced to strip to underwear in cold weather, carrying sexually explicit items (as Leonel was forced to do), verbal abuse, isolation, and constant threats. The goal is often to break down an individual’s self-esteem and create a sense of fear and dependence. Simulated waterboarding, like what Leonel endured, is an extreme form of psychological torture now recognized by international human rights organizations.
• Sleep Deprivation: Pledges are often kept awake for days on end, forced to run errands, study, or participate in late-night activities. This leads to physical and mental exhaustion, impairs judgment, and makes students more susceptible to coercion.
• Sexual Harassment and Abuse: This dark side of hazing is tragically common, ranging from forced nudity and simulated sexual acts to actual sexual assault. The presence of sexually explicit objects, such as those Leonel was forced to carry, contributes to a culture that normalizes sexual degradation.

The consequences of these acts are not limited to immediate physical injuries. Victims often suffer long-term psychological trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Their academic performance can plummet, and their careers suffer. For the families in the City of Hampton, understanding this reality is the first step toward protecting your children.

Who Is Responsible? Holding Every Entity Accountable

When hazing occurs, it’s rarely just one person or one group at fault. The insidious nature of hazing lies in its systemic roots, implicating a web of individuals and institutions that enable or directly participate in the abuse. At Attorney911, our strategy is to identify and pursue every single liable party, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for accountability. Leonel Bermudez’s case is a prime example of our comprehensive approach.

Here are the categories of defendants we target in hazing litigation:

1. The Local Chapter (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu Chapter): This is the immediate perpetrator. The chapter directly organizes, facilitates, and executes the hazing rituals. Their leaders – the president, pledgemaster, and other officers – bear direct responsibility for directing these activities. Individual members who participate in, encourage, or even passively allow hazing to occur can also be held liable. In Leonel’s case, we are suing the chapter itself, its president, its pledgemaster, and other current members.

2. The National Organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Phi National Headquarters): This is often where the “deep pockets” are. National fraternities and sororities oversee hundreds of chapters across the country. They claim to have an anti-hazing policy, provide training, and ensure oversight. However, time and again, they fail to prevent hazing, and their policies often prove to be hollow. We argue that national organizations have a duty to supervise their chapters, and when they fail – especially with prior knowledge of hazing, like Pi Kappa Phi had after Andrew Coffey’s death – they are directly liable. Their wealth and extensive insurance policies make them primary targets for significant damages.

3. The Housing Corporation: Many fraternities and sororities operate out of dedicated chapter houses, which are often owned by separate housing corporations. These entities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their premises. If hazing occurs on their property, they can be held liable under premises liability laws. In the Bermudez case, we sued Pi Kappa Phi’s housing corporation because the hazing occurred on property they controlled.

4. The University or College (e.g., University of Houston & Its Board of Regents): Universities have a fundamental duty to protect their students and provide a safe educational environment. This duty extends to regulating student organizations, including Greek life. When a university owns the property where hazing occurs (as the University of Houston did with the Pi Kappa Phi house), or has knowledge of prior hazing incidents (as UH did after the 2017 Pi Kappa Alpha hazing), their failure to intervene makes them liable. Their substantial endowments and institutional insurance make them additional “deep pockets” in these cases. We are suing both the University of Houston and its Board of Regents.

5. Individual Perpetrators (Current and Former Members): Every person who actively participates in hazing, directs it, encourages it, or facilitates it can be held personally liable. This includes the students themselves, former members who return to participate or host hazing activities (as in Leonel’s case), and even their spouses if they enable the hazing on their property. The precedent of the Stone Foltz case in Ohio, where an individual chapter president was ordered to personally pay $6.5 million, demonstrates the severe personal consequences these individuals can face.

6. Insurance Carriers: Behind every deep pocket—the national organization, the university, the housing corporation, and even individuals (through homeowner’s or personal liability policies)—are insurance carriers. As former insurance defense attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena bring unique insider knowledge of how these carriers operate. We know their playbook, their strategies, and how to negotiate from a position of strength to maximize recovery for our clients.

At Attorney911, we do not guess who is responsible. We have built an unparalleled intelligence database on Greek organizations and their corporate structures, allowing us to identify every responsible party immediately. When your child from the City of Hampton is hazed, we know exactly who to sue.

Multi-Million Dollar Precedents: Honoring Victims, Forcing Change

The fight against hazing is a long one, but there have been significant victories for victims and their families. These landmark verdicts and settlements, some reaching into the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars, send an undeniable message: hazing will no longer be tolerated, and institutions and individuals who allow it will pay a heavy price. These cases illustrate what is possible for families in the City of Hampton.

Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University / Pi Kappa Alpha, 2021) – Over $10.1 Million

Stone Foltz died in March 2021 from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a Pi Kappa Alpha initiation event at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His family received over $10.1 million in settlements, with $2.9 million coming from the university and $7.2 million from the fraternity and its members. In a groundbreaking December 2024 judgment, a former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was ordered to personally pay an additional $6.5 million. This is the largest public university hazing payout in Ohio history.

• Significance for the City of Hampton: This case demonstrates that both universities and national fraternities are willing to pay millions, and that individual perpetrators can face severe personal liability. Our $10 million demand in the Bermudez case is directly in line with this precedent, especially given Leonel’s life-threatening injuries.

Maxwell Gruver (Louisiana State University / Phi Delta Theta, 2017) – $6.1 Million Verdict

Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died in September 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual at LSU. He was forced to play a drinking game called “Bible Study,” where he had to chug alcohol for incorrect answers. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495. A jury awarded his family $6.1 million, and the incident led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act, making hazing a felony in Louisiana.

• Significance for the City of Hampton: This jury verdict proves that when hazing cases go to trial, juries are willing to award multi-million dollar judgments. The passage of the Max Gruver Act illustrates how these tragedies can lead to legislative reform, further strengthening the legal landscape for hazing victims.

Timothy Piazza (Penn State University / Beta Theta Pi, 2017) – Over $110 Million (Estimated)

Timothy Piazza died in February 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing event at Penn State. He was forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes, leading to a blood alcohol content of 0.36. He then fell down stairs multiple times, suffering a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. Fraternity members waited 12 agonizing hours before calling 911. The case resulted in criminal charges against 18 members, multiple convictions, and a confidential civil settlement estimated to be over $110 million. It also spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law in Pennsylvania.

• Significance for the City of Hampton: Piazza’s case, with its massive settlement, highlights the immense value juries and settlements place on cases with strong evidence and egregious conduct. It sets a benchmark for the potential financial consequences of severe hazing and institutional negligence both for universities and for national fraternities.

Andrew Coffey (Florida State University / Pi Kappa Phi, 2017) – Confidential Settlement

Tragically, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU student, died in November 2017 after being forced to drink an entire bottle of Wild Turkey bourbon during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night.” Nine fraternity members were criminally charged, the chapter was permanently closed, and his family reached a confidential settlement.

• Significance for the City of Hampton: This case is particularly damning because it involved the same national organization, Pi Kappa Phi, that hospitalized Leonel Bermudez. Eight years elapsed between Coffey’s death and Bermudez’s hospitalization. This undeniable pattern reveals a national organization with a consistent failure to address life-threatening hazing within its chapters, despite having clear, tragic notice. It strengthens the argument for gross negligence and punitive damages in our current lawsuit.

The Message to Fraternities and Universities Operating Near the City of Hampton

These precedents are not just numbers; they are powerful messages. They demonstrate that the legal system is increasingly willing to hold every responsible party – from individual students to national organizations and universities – accountable. For fraternities, sororities, and their oversight bodies at institutions near the City of Hampton, these multi-million dollar payouts are a stark warning: hazing will cost you dearly.

For families in the City of Hampton, these cases provide hope. They prove that aggressive, experienced legal representation can lead to significant compensation that covers medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and sends a powerful message that can prevent future tragedies.

Texas Hazing Law: Strong Protections for Victims, Strong Leverage for Justice

While the City of Hampton is located in Virginia, our firm is deeply familiar with nationwide hazing laws. The principles and legal theories established in states like Texas often mirror or inform other states, and our federal court admissions allow us to pursue cases regardless of where the incident occurred. Texas has some of the strongest anti-hazing laws in the nation, and our ability to leverage them in cases like Leonel Bermudez’s offers a powerful model for other states.

Texas Anti-Hazing Law: Education Code § 37.151-37.157

The legal framework in Texas provides substantial protection for students and a clear path for accountability. The Education Code explicitly defines “hazing” as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of integration into an organization. This definition covers a wide range of activities, mirroring the atrocities Leonel Bermudez endured:

• Physical Brutality: Whipping, beating, striking (like being struck with wooden paddles), branding, or similar activities.
• Endangerment: Sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements (like stripping to underwear in cold weather and being sprayed with a hose), confinement, or calisthenics (like 500 squats and 100 pushups) that pose an unreasonable risk of harm.
• Forced Consumption: Eating or drinking substances, including alcohol, that subject a student to an unreasonable risk of harm. This directly applies to Leonel being forced to eat until he vomited.
• Violation of Penal Code: Any activity that requires a student to violate criminal law.
• Coercion to Consume Drugs or Alcohol: Forcing consumption to the point of intoxication.

Key Provisions That Empower Victims:

1. Consent is NOT a Defense (§ 37.154): This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of Texas law, and similar statutes exist in other states. The law explicitly states, “It is not a defense to prosecution for an offense under this subchapter that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.” This provision directly refutes the common “they knew what they signed up for” defense often used by fraternities and universities. Your child cannot legally consent to being beaten or tortured, regardless of whether they “went along” with it.
2. Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Individuals who engage in hazing can face criminal charges ranging from Class B Misdemeanors to State Jail Felonies, depending on the severity of the injury or if death occurs. Leonel Bermudez’s severe rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure would fall under “serious bodily injury,” potentially elevating charges to a Class A Misdemeanor with up to a year in jail. The University of Houston spokesperson even mentioned “potential criminal charges,” indicating the seriousness with which this hazing is viewed.
3. Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves, including local chapters and national headquarters, can be fined up to $10,000, and even lose their right to operate on campus if they condone or encourage hazing.
4. University Reporting Requirements (§ 37.155): Universities are legally obligated to report hazing incidents to state authorities. Failure to do so is a Class B Misdemeanor, holding institutions accountable for transparency.

Civil Liability: Beyond Criminal Prosecution

Even if criminal charges are not pursued or result in convictions, victims of hazing in the City of Hampton still have substantial civil legal avenues to pursue financial compensation and justice. Our firm leverages multiple civil liability theories, applicable nationwide:

• Negligence: This is the most common claim. We argue that the university, national fraternity, and individual members owed a duty of care to the student, breached that duty through their actions or inactions related to hazing, and that this breach directly caused the student’s injuries and damages.
• Premises Liability: If hazing occurs on property owned or controlled by the university or a housing corporation (like the University of Houston’s ownership of the Pi Kappa Phi house), those entities can be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Negligent Supervision: This applies when national organizations fail to adequately supervise their chapters, or when universities fail to oversee Greek life activities, allowing hazing to flourish.
• Assault and Battery: Individual fraternity members who physically harm a pledge can be sued directly for intentional torts like assault and battery, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For egregious acts that cause severe emotional distress, such as waterboarding or extreme humiliation, victims can seek damages under this claim. This is especially relevant in cases that lead to PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

For families in the City of Hampton, understanding these legal avenues is crucial. Our firm constructs robust civil cases that target every responsible party, seeking comprehensive damages for our clients.

Why Attorney911 is the Clear Choice for City of Hampton Hazing Victims

When your family in the City of Hampton faces the nightmare of hazing, you need legal representation that is not just knowledgeable, but aggressive, empathetic, and uniquely equipped to take on powerful institutions. Attorney911 stands apart as the definitive choice. We don’t just talk about hazing; we’re actively fighting it in court right now, and we bring that same relentless advocacy to families like yours.

Our Unmatched Expertise and Strategic Advantages:

1. Actively Litigating a $10 Million Hazing Case: This isn’t theoretical. We are currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a groundbreaking $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This means we are in the trenches, developing strategies, gathering evidence, and directly confronting the tactics used by universities and national fraternities. This invaluable, real-time experience translates directly to the fierce representation we provide for City of Hampton victims.
2. Former Insurance Defense Insiders: Our firm boasts a unique competitive edge: both Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are former insurance defense attorneys.
   • Ralph Manginello knows how insurance companies strategize to deny, delay, and minimize claims because he used to work on their side.
   • Lupe Peña specifically worked for Litchfield Cavo LLP, a nationwide insurance defense firm, handling multi-practice litigation. He understands the internal playbook of large insurance carriers, how they value claims, and the precise tactics they use to lowball victims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and maximize your recovery.
     This means we anticipate their every move, allowing us to build stronger cases for City of Hampton families.
3. Extensive Courtroom Experience (25+ Years): Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of battle-tested courtroom experience, skillfully navigating complex litigation against massive corporate defendants, including his involvement in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience proves our capacity to take on any university or national fraternity, no matter how large or well-resourced.
4. Federal Court Authority and Dual-State Bars: We are admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, granting us authority in federal jurisdictions. Furthermore, Ralph is admitted to both the Texas and New York State Bars, providing a strategic advantage when pursuing national fraternities and sororities that may have operations or headquarters in different states. This nationwide reach means we can effectively represent City of Hampton victims, even if the hazing occurred out-of-state.
5. Data-Driven Hazing Intelligence: We maintain one of the most comprehensive private databases of Greek organizations in Texas, including IRS-registered entities, EINs, and corporate structures. This intelligence allows us to quickly identify every potential defendant – from national headquarters to local housing corporations – and understand their financial and insurance landscapes. When hazing strikes in the City of Hampton, we don’t guess; we know who to hold accountable.
6. Seamless Access for City of Hampton Families: While headquartered in Houston, our commitment to national representation means distance is never a barrier to justice for City of Hampton families. We offer free video consultations, ensuring you can connect with our expert legal team from the comfort and privacy of your home. We are also prepared to travel to the City of Hampton for depositions, client meetings, and trials whenever necessary.
7. Empathetic and Bilingual Team (Se Habla Español): We understand the immense emotional toll hazing takes on victims and their families. Our team is warm, compassionate, and truly invested in your well-being. We offer services in Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to justice for Hispanic families in the City of Hampton.
8. Contingency Fee Representation: Zero Upfront Cost: We believe financial hardship should never prevent a victim from seeking justice. We take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront, and we only get paid if and when we win your case. This aligns our interests directly with yours and removes the financial burden from already suffering families in the City of Hampton.
9. Relentless Pursuit of Justice: Lupe Pena’s litigation philosophy—”outwork, outsmart, and outfight the other side”—characterizes our entire approach. We are aggressive, thorough, and unwavering in our pursuit of accountability. As Ralph Manginello states, we started Attorney911 “to make sure people suffering from a legal emergency received immediate, aggressive, and professional help from someone they could trust.” That promise extends directly to hazing victims in the City of Hampton.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

Our 4.9-star rating on Google, based on over 250 reviews, reflects our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. People consistently praise our communication, responsiveness, and aggressive pursuit of maximum settlements. As many clients have stated, “You are FAMILY to them and they protect and fight for you as such.” And others note our ability to win major results, with one client stating, “She told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer and on today I spoke with her and I was overwhelmed by the offer.”

Attorney911 is built for legal emergencies, and hazing is a legal emergency unlike any other. For families in the City of Hampton, we are the aggressive legal team ready to fight for your child.

What to Do Right Now: Actionable Guidance for City of Hampton Families

If you or your child in the City of Hampton has been affected by hazing, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. While the emotional toll can be overwhelming, quick and decisive action can significantly strengthen your legal case. We empower families with clear, actionable steps during these terrifying times. Even if the hazing occurred in another state, these principles apply.

We understand that every parent’s worst nightmare is to receive that call. If you’re searching for answers at 2 AM, use this guide.

Step 1: Prioritize Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

Your child’s physical and mental well-being is paramount.

• Remove from Danger: If your child is still in a hazing environment or fears retribution, help them immediately remove themselves from that situation. Their safety is the first priority.
• Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, or if they are psychological, seek medical attention immediately. As seen in Leonel Bermudez’s case, critical injuries like rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure may not be immediately apparent.
  • Go to the ER: For any physical injury, signs of alcohol poisoning, severe dehydration, or psychological distress. Document EVERYTHING.
  • See a Doctor: Follow up with a primary care physician or specialist. Ensure medical records clearly state the nature of the injury and that it resulted from hazing.
  • Mental Health Support: Seek counseling or therapy. Hazing often leaves deep psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These records will be vital evidence in your case.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence Immediately

Evidence can vanish quickly. The defense will try to discredit your story, but concrete evidence is undeniable.

• Medical Records: Obtain copies of all hospital records, doctor’s notes, lab results (like creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), therapy records, and medical bills. The medical record is the cornerstone of your case.
• Photos and Videos:
  • Injuries: Take clear, high-resolution photos of any physical injuries (bruises, cuts, burns, swelling) at the time they are discovered and periodically as they heal. Like Ralph Manginello always advises, “Take pictures. Take pictures. Take more pictures than you think you need to.”
  • Hazing Locations: If safe to do so, photograph or video relevant locations (fraternity house, off-campus residence, meeting spots).
  • Evidence of Hazing: If available, document any physical items related to the hazing (bottles, specific clothing, degrading items).
• Digital Communications: This is often the “smoking gun” in hazing cases.
  • Screenshots: Take screenshots of ALL relevant text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchat conversations, Instagram DMs, emails, or any other digital communication related to the hazing. Do not just save the conversation; screenshot it to capture time/date stamps and participant names.
  • Pledge Materials: If there were pledge manuals, schedules, rules, or lists of tasks, keep meticulous records of these.
• Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and any other contact information for other pledges, fraternity members who did not participate, or anyone who witnessed part of the hazing. Their testimony can be crucial.
• Financial Records: Keep track of any lost wages if your child missed work, tuition and fee statements for any semesters disrupted, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the hazing or recovery.
• Academic Records: Document how the hazing impacted your child’s academic performance, enrollment status, or scholarship eligibility.

Step 3: Crucial “DO NOTs” for City of Hampton Hazing Victims

These are mistakes that can severely damage even the strongest case:

• DO NOT Delete Anything: Do not delete text messages, chat histories, social media posts, or any other digital evidence, even if you think it’s irrelevant. Deleting evidence can lead to severe legal penalties for spoliation.
• DO NOT Talk to Fraternity/Sorority Members or Leaders: They will be incentivized to minimize, deny, or cover up the hazing. Any conversations could be misconstrued or used against you.
• DO NOT Speak with University Administration or Greek Life Advisors Alone: These individuals represent the institution’s interests, not your child’s. They will try to get information from you that could be used against your case.
• DO NOT Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents, waivers, or statements provided by the fraternity, university, or their insurance representatives without first consulting with your attorney. You could inadvertently waive your rights to compensation.
• DO NOT Post on Social Media: Anything your child posts, or that others post tagged with your child, can be used by the defense to argue they were exaggerating injuries, enjoying themselves, or fabricating the incident. Stay completely silent on all social media platforms regarding the hazing and your case. As our video “Don’t Post on Social Media After an Accident” warns, anything can and will be used against you.

Step 4: Contact an Experienced Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Time is of the essence. There are statutes of limitations (typically a two-year window in most states like Texas) within which you must file a lawsuit. Waiting jeopardizes your case because:

• Evidence disappears.
• Witness memories fade.
• Organizations may destroy records.
• Your legal rights can expire forever.

Our attorneys at Attorney911 offer free, confidential consultations. We will listen to your story, evaluate your evidence, and explain your legal options without any obligation. We understand the City of Hampton’s unique context and the universities your children attend. We are experts in hazing litigation and are prepared to fight for you.

Contact Us: Your Legal Emergency Hotline for City of Hampton Hazing Victims

If you’re a parent or a student in the City of Hampton grappling with the devastating effects of hazing, you don’t have to face this battle alone. The very fact that you are reading this means you are seeking help, and that is a brave first step. We are Attorney911, and we are your legal emergency hotline. We are ready to bring our aggressive, data-driven, and unflinching advocacy to your case, just as we are doing with Leonel Bermudez.

City of Hampton Families: Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911

This hotline is available 24/7. When you call, you’ll connect directly with our compassionate, expert team, ready to discuss your specific situation.

Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com

No Upfront Fees. We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do.
We understand that the financial burden of legal action can seem daunting, especially after a traumatic hazing incident. That’s why we take all hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront. There are no attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation for you.
• Our interests are aligned. We are as invested in the success of your case as you are.

We Serve City of Hampton Hazing Victims – And Victims Nationwide

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, our reach extends far beyond state lines. Hazing is a national crisis, and its victims deserve national-caliber representation. We are uniquely positioned to represent City of Hampton hazing victims through:

• Federal Court Authority: Our admission to the U.S. District Court allows us to pursue cases in federal jurisdiction, which is often necessary when dealing with national organizations or incidents that cross state lines.
• Dual-State Bar Licenses: Ralph Manginello’s licensure in both Texas and New York provides a strategic advantage when dealing with national fraternities and sororities that may be headquartered out-of-state.
• Video Consultations: We offer convenient and confidential video consultations, allowing City of Hampton families to connect with our attorneys remotely, saving time and travel.
• Commitment to Travel: Be assured that if your case requires it, our attorneys will travel to the City of Hampton for depositions, client meetings, and trials. Distance will never be a barrier to achieving justice for your child.

We Fight All Forms of Hazing in Any Organization

Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. It plagues many forms of student organizations. If your child in the City of Hampton has been hazed in any of the following, we can help:

• Fraternities and sororities near the City of Hampton
• Sports teams at local or distant universities
• Marching bands or musical ensembles
• ROTC programs
• Clubs and other student organizations
• Military academies or training programs
• Any group that uses abuse, degradation, or dangerous rites for initiation or membership.

To Other Victims of the UH Pi Kappa Phi Hazing: “Enough is Enough.”

We know Leonel Bermudez was not the only one. Other pledges endured parts of the humiliation, the demanding “hell nights”, the forced consumption, and saw their peers brutalized or collapsing from exhaustion. We want those other victims to hear Lupe Pena’s words: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” If you were part of the Pi Kappa Phi hazing at UH, or any other hazing incident, your voice matters, and we can help you find justice.

The pain you feel is real. The injustice you’ve suffered is undeniable. Let us be your champions. Call Attorney911 today. Together, we can hold the irresponsible accountable and ensure that no other family in the City of Hampton has to endure this nightmare.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com